I always had to prove myself through my actions. Be a cheerleader. Be class president. Be the editor of the newspaper.

The first step is clearly defining what it is you're after, because without knowing that, you'll never get it.

I won't have a traditional marriage; I don't find the value in that anymore. But I am such a hopeless romantic and I really want love and I want a committed relationship, so I am going to reinvent marriage for myself.

When an opportunity comes your way, it's about making sure you're prepared to be the one who can walk through the door and deliver the goods. And I've had a lot of luck on my side and I've been prepared for that luck.

I think a smart person today realizes that you have to be part of the art films that are done just for the sake of the art.

I'm not sad at all about turning 40.

I've pretty much learned I can let that [being black] hinder me if I want to ... or I can fight for different kinds of roles.